Somehow, it seems only fitting for Punchline to end with an episode that leaves me totally exasperated. I’ll cut to the chase: I hated the way Uchikoshi ended this series. And that’s despite the fact that I smelled it coming for several episodes and wasn’t remotely surprised by it. But […] Read more
There’s an awful lot of “what might have been” with Punchline. As much as I like certain elements of this show, the dominant impression for me is one of unfulfilled potential. Most obviously I wonder what sort of series this would have been if Uchikoshi Koutarou had simply written it […] Read more
Looks like Uchikoshi found himself a few more kitchen sinks somewhere. I realize I’m largely talking to myself at this point with Punchline – two straight posts without a comment tells the story. But I’m still liking it, somehow, and it is almost over – though not as almost over […] Read more
A few more I’s dotted and T’s crossed, but somehow it all feels kind of halfhearted. I really wish Punchline were a better show. That seems like a forehead-slappingly obvious sort of statement, but it really isn’t. Yeah, on some level you wish every show was better than it is, […] Read more
Punchline is definitely one of those shows where it’s better no to ask too many questions. We’re down to the home stretch now – three eps left – so it was a little surprising to get a relatively slow-paced episode after Uchikoshi seemed to be in full plotgasm mode. It […] Read more
One step forward, one step back, I’d say. Things took quite a predictable turn on Punchline this week, as the show seems to be following the script I more or less expected it might be – but on the bright side, it did so in about the most entertaining fashion […] Read more
There’s no doubt we’re finally getting some big clues about what’s really happening with Punchline. But the operative question for me is whether or not I still care. My recent track record with NoitaminA shows and huge mid-series plot twists isn’t especially encouraging. But while the temptation to recall Samumenco […] Read more
Unfortunately, my feelings for Punchline are starting to move in the wrong direction. I’m still with MAPPA and Uchikoshi here, but I’m beginning to see cracks in my patience. Unfortunately (for me) the high-water mark for Gainax influence on this show was the premiere. Ever since then, with each week […] Read more
Next week, I fully expect the kitchen sink. We’re already getting everything else. The idea that there’s a kind of bait-and-switch happening with Punchline has been part of the series’ zeitgeist from the beginning – comments by the staff and cast have made sure of that. But truthfully, I think […] Read more
It’s not easy to do what Punchline is doing, believe me. I’m not sure just what the fuck this is, but it’s either incredibly brilliant or incredibly stupid. Of course there’s no good reason why it can’t be both, and I’m beginning to think that’s exactly what it is. There’s […] Read more